smoothed the rumpled taffeta pleats in her large red dress. The costume was much heavier than she remembered it had been when she tried it on in the store. She was now glad that she had chosen to go with the dress of a renaissance woman of meager means, rather than royalty. Her toes wriggled inside her Converse tennis shoes that she wore secretly hidden under the many layers of ruby fabric.

“ !” .

Her breath caught in her throat, and it wasn’t due to the inhumane corset. Her handsome neighbor of the past seven years had transformed into a striking version of The Phantom of the Opera. .

“I’m so glad you made it. You look amazing.” .

She blushed as he ushered her into his large completely Halloween decorated house. was well known for the best and most elaborate Halloween parties in town and this year was no exception: Charcoal black floral arrangements, blood red punch fountains and hundreds of flickering candles scattered everywhere. .

“Thanks. I love your costume too.” .

He gave her a grand bow, .

“May I fetch the fair lady something; some blood to drink? Severed fingers or eyeballs to snack on?” .

Even though she knew they were fake, she nauseously declined the offer, .

“No, I’m a…I’m good.” .

“Well then how about a dance?” .

He smiled charmingly as he waited for her to reply; unwilling to accept no as an answer. “I’d love to.” .

He played the debonair role of host well; offering his arm to escort her into the living room that had been cleared out to accommodate dancing and once they reached the floor he whirled her around as if they were the only two in the room. .

              felt a familiar throb begin in her head. It had been so foolish of her to come; thinking she could resist her calling on this night of all nights. She looked out at the bright full moon that hung like an unwelcome beacon to her in the black sky. The moonlight burned through her; her limbs aching like they were on fire; every inch of her ached to be released. sensed her sudden tension as he held her, .

“ , are you o.k.?” .

“Um, no.” .

Speech was getting difficult, as she felt the strong pull on her face, “I just need some air.” .

“C’mon then, I’ll take you outside.” .

He grabbed a hold of her arm and began to lead her towards the French doors, but she quickly snatched her arm from him. .

“No!” It was harsh and urgent, nothing like her normal timid voice. .

She turned and ran; she had to get away NOW! .

  The change was already kicking in, making a fast run effortless. She slowed down when she reached a safe distance from the house. She was now in the cover of the forest that sat far beyond the edge of either of their properties. The change took over and she welcomed it. Her body felt free, it was like releasing your feet from shoes three sizes too small, but throughout her whole body. The release into her full wolf form caused a joyful howl from her mouth. .

“ . . Are you o.k.?” .

Shoot! She thought, why had he followed her? There was no way he could find her; she’d always kept this secret from him. Making sure to be discreet of family details whenever she talked to him, but that wasn’t her only concern now.  wasn’t the only wolf in the forest. .

              A syrupy voice came through her head, mmm, look what wandered into my forest..

knew that voice, she knew the selfish wolves’ thoughts she was hearing and it was the last wolf she wanted near right now…or ever. .

Back off , leave him alone! .

Big words from a little white wolf.  Just tell me you have a moon promise with him and I’ll leave..

groaned, and off course heard the defeat and laughed in her head. had no claim on . As a wolf, they had the power…and the curse to make pacts with a full moon; binding soul mates together for life. abused it carelessly though. She saw nothing wrong with using the gift of mind control that all werewolves had, to will unsuspecting human men to become hopelessly in love with her for eternity; it was just a game to her. To soul mates it was an unbreakable bond, to men who went not under their own will it was a lifetime of unrequited torture. had felt the calling for many times, she’d dreamt of making a moon pledge with him, but she would never force him into it; she loved him, so much that she would never take away his free will… either he loved her of his own desire or he didn’t at all. .

              ’s voice was coming closer, so was ’s. watched as a bushy tan form burst from the trees in front of a startled ; he froze in terror. bared her sharp teeth; she found mind control easier when her victims were scared senseless. stepped from behind her tree cautiously, planting herself between them. She turned to look at ’s face, wishing there was some way she could reassure him that she would never hurt him. .

In her head hissed, Move pup, he’s mine. .

Never! threw back, with renewed strength in her voice. .

              The tan wolf jumped at her in a swift flash. She landed on knocking her to the ground. grabbed the scruff of her neck and flung her helplessly, but the white wolf rebounded easily and was suddenly on top of the other. attacked viscously; biting and clawing, but fought back with everything she had; she would never let become another toy for this heartless wolf. In one movement knocked the other wolf onto her back and put her muzzle to her soft pink stomach, the symbol of defeat. rolled away. .

Fine pup, he’s not worth mussing my beautiful coat over anyways, she licked the wounds had inflicted on her, enjoy your mortal boy..

Her eyes flicked past before she disappeared into the trees. watched to make sure she actually left before turning around. She was shocked to find was still there, huddled in the same spot had left him in. The exquisite white wolf took one graceful step towards him and then another. To her surprise he still didn’t move. .

“ ?” .

Shock surged through her, she was speechless, how had he known it was her? She allowed herself to change back, grabbing her earlier shed clothes and wrapping them around her body. .

“ .” It wasn’t a question this time as it was now the girl he had known for years standing in front of him. .

“How did you know?” .

He stood up and took a brave step forward, focusing on the sweet face that swarmed his mind at any given time of the day. .

“I would know those beautiful eyes anywhere.” .

“You’re not scared of me? You don’t think I’m a monster?” .

’s face looked deep in thought for a minute. started to back away, not ready to hear his answer. .

“No,” he grabbed hold of the raw hand that had managed to injure; he rubbed around the cuts gently, “Never! I think you’re beautiful.” .

didn’t know what to say. His eyes didn’t betray the truth in any of his words. Her happiness filled her eyes, threatening to overspill. .

“You’re hurt.” He looked down at her hand she glanced at it quickly and then returned her eyes to him. .

“I can heal it if I shift back.” .

“Then you should do it.” .

He watched with fascination as his shy neighbor turned into the most amazing creature he had ever seen. .

“I’ll see you later,” he whispered as stepped backwards towards the forest. She nodded at him. .

              The nap had left completely refreshed and healed. She looked up and the moon had moved across the night sky. She knew it must be near midnight now; ’s party would’ve been long over.  She shifted again back into human form and carefully pulled the delicate dress back on. It had miraculously survived the night with only a few mud splatters. Once dressed, she headed towards the house. The candlelight still illuminated a few of the bottom floor windows, but all the cars were gone now and the raucous party music had changed to a slow soft melody. .

              was sitting on the back patio, he smiled as approached. .

“I’ve been waiting for you.” .

“ .” It was all she could think to say. He had accepted her; no words could express her relief and elation. .

“Dance with me.” .

He pulled her small body to him. She happily let him take control, it felt good to be weak and let him just hold her. From inside the house the soft haunting melody drifted out around them, the cool air caused their increasingly fast breathing to come out in puffs. swayed effortlessly in his arms. The power of the moon was calling to her again, but this time as a soul mate. ’s grip tightened on her thick dress as he pressed his cheek against hers and turned their faces to look up at the moon. .

“So ,” her pulse raced at the expectant way he said her name, “tell me more about the moon.” .


THE END



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